In a move to promote home-grown storytelling and strengthen India’s creative economy, the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting launched a new comic series based on the popular character Chhota Bheem at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Friday.
The launch event included a discussion on the creative journey of Chhota Bheem, one of India’s most iconic children’s characters, and the importance of culturally rooted narratives for younger audiences.
Speaking at the event, Bhupendra Kainthola, Principal Director General of the Publications Division, said the stories told to children should reflect Indian traditions and values.
“The stories we tell, especially to our children, should have an Indian connection. In a land like ours where our grandparents told bedside stories with Indian characters, Publications Division cannot but look at those storytelling traditions. The more we talk about them in the mother tongue, the more rooted would be the growth story of our new generation. As Indian stories leave a message of values and courage, they ought to reach all corners,” Kainthola said.
The comic series has been developed in collaboration with Green Gold Animation Pvt. Ltd., the creators of Chhota Bheem. Set in the fictional kingdom of Dholakpur, the series follows the adventures of Bheem—a brave and kind-hearted boy known for his strength and moral values. The character promotes themes of friendship, courage, teamwork, and Indian cultural ethos.
Rajiv Chilaka, Founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation, welcomed the initiative and said it aligns with the government’s broader vision to support indigenous content creation.
“The Government of India has been actively promoting Indian content creation in animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics through initiatives such as WAVES 2025. With this continued support, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in these sectors,” Chilaka said.
The launch is part of a larger push following the recent WAVES Summit in Mumbai, which called for greater investment in Indian narratives across books, films, animation, and digital platform.